wwts NEWS AND UPDATES

Yower.com downgraded from C- to D+. The sportsbook was formerly hosted by WWTS (SBR rating C+) before WWTS was acquired by Bodog Sportsbook (SBR rating B). Yower is now a turnkey sportsbook under the BetEZ Group. SBR is currently attempting to assist a player who was scammed by an individual using the BetEZ pay per head service. BetEZ customer service is not familiar with the Yower.com site that it hosts or its promotions and rules.

HeroesCasino enters the SBR rating guide at C. Heroes is owned by one of the former owners of OasisCasino (SBR rating C+). OasisCasino was sold to WWTS (SBR rating C+) for $9.8 millioninJuly of 2006 before Bodog (SBR rating C) acquired WWTS in October of that same year. Like Oasis, Heroes is located in Willemstad Curacao. Unlike Oasis, Heroes is booking on a -105 reduced juice lineset. Ownership also tells SBR that Heroes management has not worked under Oasis and will not confiscate earned, or partially earned, bonuses as Oasis management did on two occasions in 2005. SBR will monitor the new book and its policies. As with all new sportsbooks, players planning to play are advised to proceed with caution and are asked to send all feedback to SBR.

Non-U.S. accounts at Betcorp brand sportsbooks, including BetWWTS (SBR rating C+) and CyberSportsbook (SBR rating C+), to be migrated to BoDog (SBR rating A+) in February. The Betcorp family of websites will then redirect visitors to Bodog.com. Players can expect a seamless transition to Bodog which already owns and manages the Betcorp operation.

Lingering complaints from players with sportsbooks recently acquired by Bodog (SBR rating A+) have been resolved. BetBet, Oasis, WWTS, and Cyber Sportsbook have each been upgraded from C- to C+. The sportsbooks, which serve players residing in countries other than the US and Canada, are undergoing overhauls as new additions of the Bodog Entertainment Group. Players are invited to add their feedback on these sportsbooks here.

BetBet & WWTS (SBR C-)slow-paying international players.
The operation is serving only non-US users while the books parent company prepares to finalize the sale to Bodog (SBR rating A+) later this month. Three players were told that "technical issues" are responsible for the inability to process payouts requested October 30th.

Betcorp sale of Tasman Gaming Inc. and WWTS (SBR rating C-) to Bodog (SBR rating A+) now pending shareholder approval.
Shareholders are scheduled to approve the sale of Betcorp subsidiary, Tasman Gaming, which encompasses all of the group’s US-serving gaming brands, on November 15th. Betcorp CEO tells SBR that they were required to give shareholders three weeks notice before the meeting. This means player funds will remain frozen until the transfer is complete. Bodog will acquire Tasman for $9 million, with $3 million cash due at the time of transfer and four subsequent payments of $1.5 million each.

WWTS (SBR rating C-) may reopen this weekend
SBR has confirmed that Betcorp aims to complete a deal to sell its sportsbook properties to an A+ rated gaming company. Despite reports that the deal has been completed, sources tell SBR that an agreement has not yet been finalized, but both parties are optimistic. Betcorp froze accounts belonging to US citizens on October 13th.

The Betcorp Group, which includes WWTS (SBR rating C-) has frozen all accounts belonging to US residents indefinitely. SBR has learned that the company has taken this action in order to facilitate a sale that would put the sportsbooks under private ownership. Players can expect to be locked out of their accounts at the start of the business week.

BetWWTS (SBR rating B+) is the latest sportsbook under a public company attempting to solidify plans to privatize. Betcorp Ltd released a statement this evening acknowledging that if it was unable to move its US-focused brands under private ownership by Friday, services to the US market would close. Sources within the company tell SBR "It’s likely you will see the last two public giants privatize within the next 48 hours but of course, all [Betcorp sportsbook] players will receive their funds immediately if this is not achieved." Sportingbet Plc, the parent company of Sportsbook.com, also released a statement today saying that it would look to sell its US-focused brands. Although the safety of WWTS player funds are not in question, SBR has downgraded the BetCorp Group to B+. The books will be reevaluated once it is known if account holders will maintain the ability to wager.

WWTS (SBR rating A+), acquires Oasis (SBR rating D+) for $9.8 million. WWTS management has already stated that it will pay over $4,000 to former Oasis players who filed confiscation complaints with SBR. The treatment to unwanted players in 2005 was largely responsible for the book’s rating to fall from B- to D+. Oasis was successfully migrated from Curacao to Betcorp’s servers in Antigua and will be reevaluated.

Jessica cites personal reasons for leaving the company and states that BetCorp remains in the hands of top-level management. Ms. Davis worked her way through the ranks at WWTS over the past eleven years, helping to build WWTS into the powerhouse it is today.

VIP Sports is the most active buyer. YouWager, BetRoyal and many smaller books are all said to be Sellers actively seeking buyouts. BetCRIS could also be a Buyer under the right circumstances which recently has focused on bailing out small operators. BetWWTS has made several trips and has signed at least one confidentiality agreement although we are unaware of any serious interest. Sportsbooks who have had made M&A headlines in the recent past that appear to be holding pat; Hollywood, BoDog, SportsInteraction are said to be no longer active Sellers. Smaller operations such as BetMaker, YouWager and Sportbet along with operations that have difficult reputations such as Royal Sports have mostly signed confidentiality agreements giving buyers a chance to possibly make an offer. SBR expects a pick-up in M&A activity despite rising valuations.

There will be no need to refresh the page on SBR Odds. This first ever FREE web page application will show odds movement as they are changed by bookmakers in *REAL TIME. SBR Odds welcomes Mansion (SBR rating B), as the latest sponsors to join the page. Current sponsors include: WWTS, Pinnacle, CRIS, Hollywood107, 5Dimes, Canbet, VIP, BetJamaica, Bowmans, Mansion and Matchbook. www.sbrodds.com*SBROdds will be between 0 and 10 seconds delayed depending on server speeds and other variables.

experiencing website technical difficulties. Some players report they are unable to log in, while others are restricted from using the website’s banking pages. BetWWTS anticipates that this problem will be corrected before the evening.

Salma is the latest ex WWTS executive to land with an A+ sportsbook. Her presence and leadership could make a major difference. Simon Noble, ex CEO of WWTS and Intertops, recently joined Pinnacle (SBR rating A+). And finally the dynamic Jessica Davis, COO of BetWWTS (SBR rating A+), has her contract extended as does CEO Collin Walker. The stability at BetWWTS is a welcome sign as they prepare to integrate their acquisition of Cybersportsbook.

PlayersOffshore is managed by Cybersportsbook (SBR rating B) which itself is being acquired by BetWWTS(SBR rating A+). It is unclear what will happen to PlayerOffshore customers when Cybersportsbook merges with BetWWTS. The merge is set to be finalized later this week. Players should either close their accounts or transfer the balance to Cybersportsbook. Cybersportsbook supplies complete management anyway but apparently is not responsible for the solvency. 1 800 800 2128

BetCorp, parent company of BetWWTS (SBR rating A+), officially announces purchase of Sinsational Intertainment Inc. Cybersportsbook (SBR rating D+) was the flagship brand under Sinsational which was acquired for nearly $9 million and BetCorp company shares.BetWWTS expects to immediately benefit from the acquisition of Sinsational’s proprietary software, which is extremely popular among Cybersportsbook users. BetCorp will also inherit over 9,000 new active players.

for $6.15 million dollars. BetWWTS has raised $3.5 million dollars by issuing additional common shares. The acquisition will be a cash and stock deal. The acquisition is subject to BetWWTS’s Board of Directors and shareholder approval. There is speculation the takeover candidate is Intertops (SBR rating B+) which would be a nice acquisition. SBR would include Gamebookers (SBR rating C+) as a definite possibility.

BetPlatnium (SBR rating D-) "I have been waiting 6 weeks to be paid. I believe your rating of D- is too high"

BetWWTS (SBR rating A+) "I transfereed money from the sportsbook to the casino. After the transfer the money was in neither account. They did take care of it but it was a hassle."

BetOnGames (SBR rating A-) "Have you noticed the web site is down more since VIP bought them? BetOnGames is (or was) the best book out there but not if they can’t keep it up on the internet."

Pinnacle (SBR Rating A+) "They have a $500 minimum for a free payout. My account was at $480 so I deposited $20 to make $500 to get the free payout. They still charged me $15. Grrr!"

SportsInteraction (SBR rating D+) "I made a withdraw request on Jan 28th. I deposited using Neteller and requested a Neteller withdraw. They asked me for my drivers license and credit card statement (even though I used Neteller). I sent them in and so far nothing. Can mr. Dozer help me? I did not realize their rating was so low. I know why now."

Publicly traded BetWWTS has shed its corporate managers, Chairman of the Board types and returned to great service and strong bookmaking. The founder, Billy Scott, finally had enough of the corporate decisions which he felt was jeopardizing BetWWTS’s leadership position within the industry. After a late summer attempt by the board to cut costs and increase profits, Mr. Scott had seen enough. The Chairman of the Board and the company president were sent packing. Billy Scott, the founder of BetWWTS and the largest shareholder, is one of the wealthiest men in the industry with a net worth estimated to be over $300 million dollars. Mr. Scott has now brought in his own management including the return of Stuart, the very talented bookmaker and Jessica who is easily one of the top operations managers the industry has ever had. SBR can report that this operation is one of the best managed operations in the industry. An operation of this size is a challenge but WWTS runs like fine precision clock work and is quite impressive. It was a year of change for BetWWTS in 2004. The end result is a Billy Scott installed superstar management team dedicated to providing players a world class experience.

The revolutionary real-time betting odds complete with match-up stats will be made available in early 2005. Websites will be able to brand the proprietary real-time SBR feed and offer the best handicapping stats. Websites will have full control over all branding and banner placements. The world class line-up of sportsbooks committed for 2005: WWTS, VIP Sports, BetJamaica, 5Dimes, Hollywood107, WSEX, Bowmans, Pinnacle, CRIS.

The top A+ group of sportsbooks reporting no problems handling the load are Pinnacle A+ (www.pinnaclesports.com), VIP Sportsbook A+ (www.VIPSportsbook.com). Load problems have caused slow downs at BetWWTS A+ and BetJamaica A+. A complete phone listing for all sportsbooks is located here.

An excellent move to bring back one of the most talented managers in the industry. Swept out of her position just two weeks ago, BetCorp was heavily lobbied for not only her return but possibly even a promotion to CEO. SBR commends the move and encourages the Board of Directors to appoint Ms. Davis to the position of CEO. Ms Davis is highly respected in the industry and the protégé of WWTS founder Billy Scott.

after leaving Antigua and BetWWTS. In a phone conversation with this legendary figure, SBR learned that Larry Mac has entered formal negotiations with BlueGrass Sports (SBR Rating D), regarding the Head Linesman position. Although a definite agreement is yet to be reached, SBR believes Larry Mac’s bookmaking talent and vast experience would be an asset to BlueGrass.

which was to launch a version of Victor Chandler's sports betting platform has informed SBR that the launch scheduled for July 12th, is "Delayed indefinitely". There are at least three sportsbooks that heavily invested in this platform including Bowmans (SBR rating A-).

Pinnacle Sports (SBR rating A+) much anticipated casino again is delayed. Apparently the casino is live in-house and for a few invited guests. One source from a casino review site who said he had played one session and was sworn to secrecy said "..its ready but I guess they have their reasons(for not going live). Forget about it, it doesn't get any better..."

<<<<We understand there was a tragic death of one of the Managers at WWTS and there is a call for donations from the industry to help her 3 year old son. We would like to make a $500 donation. Is the below address still the place to send a donation?

North American and European markets. SBR's visit finds somber mood at WWTS as employees adjust to the loss of one of their own, Sherlor Smith age 26. Simon Noble, CEO of BetWWTS, tells SBR that their new player sign-ups and customer retention rates are both up 50% over last year. The sign on the employee big board written in giant letters perhaps says it all "FLAWLESS CUSTOMER SERVICE, NOTHING LESS IS ACCEPTABLE."

Last week SBR reported the tragic death of 26 year old BetWWTS marketing manager and mother of one, Sherlor Smith. If you give to one worthy cause we would suggest this be the one. Tristen, son of Ms. Smith age 3, now faces the world without his mother. Give generously to help Tristen and his family deal with the heartbreaking passing of Sherlor Smith.

of one of the most likeable, funny and capable persons in the industry. Ms. Sherlor Smith, age 26, was a long time fixture in the WWTS marketing department. The charismatic and beautiful mother leaves behind 3 year old son Tristen. Sherlor was a true WWTS person with a permanent smile, a strong work ethic and a sense of humor that made her an instant friend.

SBR donates $500 to the Sherlor Smith Fund which has grown to over $11,000 thanks to WWTS and WWTS employees. If you would like to donate to help the family of Sherlor and Tristen please call WWTS. We will post more information on how to donate when the details become available.

to visit WWTS (SBR rating A+), Intertops (SBR rating B) and WSEX (SBR rating A-). On June 19th the SBR team heads for Jamaica for a meeting with legendary operator Spiros of Olympic (SBR rating A+) and BetJamaica (SBR rating A+). Look for a video tour of Olympic in the review sections later in June.

Disappoints analysts with a 1st qtr loss of $830k primarily blamed on Asian trading and lower overall win percentages - WWTS reported a 23% increase in wagers to over 700,000 and a 30% increase in active customers to 7,624 for the qtr and insists full year results will be strong

(SBR rating B+) has had at least two books in the SBR top 5 show interest - SBR has confirmed that neither book saw value or will make an offer - Sportbet(SBR rating D) having no luck finding a buyer so far - WWTS(SBR rating A+) is looking to buy a top 15 book - Pinnacle(SBR rating A+) has an eye on a specific sector and one company specifically to help its foreign expansion - VIP Sports(SBR rating A+) has turned down an offer to merge with an SBR top 10 book and instead has looked at acquiring turnaround candidate SportsInteraction

Olympic for sale? There are two separate reports that Olympic was close to a deal but that Olympic(SBR rating A+) had declined one offer but was still considering another possibility - WWTS was mentioned as a possible buyer. It should be noted that Olympic is one of the most valuable properties offshore and any talk of deals is most likely non-serious window shopping and a regular offshore exercise in determining valuation.

SBR exclusive interview with Larry Mac, legendary bookmaker for CRIS arrives for first day on the job at WWTS. Larry explains there will be many new policies. Wise guy action, unlike the past, will be welcomed and even courted at, as Mr. Mac calls it, "the new WWTS ". As of today, look for intentionally set off-numbers and opinionated lines as well as WWTS originating halftimes and overnight lines.